Stories
Here you will find the latest news, updates, success stories, and more.
From Castricum to NCAA Division 1: the inspiring journey of soccer player Megan Castricum to college soccer in America
How Megan turned her dream into reality through an American soccer scholarship For many young Dutch soccer players, it’s the ultimate dream: studying and playing soccer in the United States. For Megan Castricum from Castricum, that dream became reality. Thanks to a...
What is GPA and how do you calculate it?
One of the first and most important terms you'll encounter in your American adventure is "GPA." But what exactly is it, why is it so crucial, and how do you calculate it using your international transcript? What exactly does GPA stand for? GPA stands for Grade Point...
What is a student-athlete
Imagine this: you start your day training at professional facilities, then attend classes on an impressive campus, and on weekends, you travel across America with your team for competitions. This isn’t a dream; it's the reality for thousands of student-athletes in the...
🇫🇷 Kenzo Surget en 🇳🇱 Iris Kolk named Athletes of the Week
Two Made athletes continue to impress on opposite sides of North America. Kenzo Surget (Shoreline College, USA) and Iris Kolk (Keyano College, Canada) were both named Athlete of the Week for their outstanding performances on the college soccer pitch. Freshman...
College baseball in the USA: What level do you need?
The dream of playing under the bright stadium lights while studying at an American university is alive for many ambitious baseball players. The American college system offers a unique opportunity to develop your athletic talent at a top level while earning an...
Studying and playing golf in the USA: What level do you need?
Studying at an American university while continuing to play golf competitively is a reality for a growing number of international golfers. Whether you're competing in top national tournaments or are motivated to improve your scores, as long as you have ambition and...
College tennis scholarship in the USA: What level is required?
The dream of packing your tennis racket for an adventure in the United States is the ultimate ambition for many players. The American college system offers a unique opportunity to combine your passion for tennis with a bachelor's degree. But where do you fit in among...
US college soccer scholarship: What level do you need?
The dream of playing soccer while earning a university degree in the United States is more popular than ever. For talented players worldwide, the US college system offers a unique pathway to combine high-level athletic competition with a world-class education. But...
Study and playing field hockey in the USA? This is how you score a spot on a NCAA team
Are you dreaming of combining your field hockey with an international degree? To train like a pro, compete for a championship, and earn a top-notch diploma at the same time? That dream is within reach for many field hockey players. And you certainly don't have to be a...
From college courts to centre court: How four former college tennis players reached the 2025 Wimbledon finals
Wimbledon 2025 was filled with gripping matches, but few stories resonated more deeply with aspiring players than those of Rinky Hijikata, Julian Cash, Lloyd Glasspool, and Sem Verbeek. These weren’t just pros chasing Grand Slam glory, they were former college tennis...
From Graaf Willem to America: Hannelore and Pippa stay teammates at Mercer County
From teammates in the Netherlands to teammates in the United States – that dream is becoming reality for Hannelore Rakels and Pippa Kleijer. Starting in Fall 2025, the two players from Graaf Willem II VAC will begin their college careers at Mercer County Community...
Masters tournament
On April 10th, the iconic golf Masters Tournament kicks off once again in Augusta, Georgia. For golfers and fans around the world, this is the moment of the year. The immaculate fairways, the legendary yellow scoreboard, the traditions, and of course, the green jacket...
National Student-Athlete Day
Each year on April 6th, the United States observes National Student-Athlete Day, a celebration dedicated to acknowledging the hard work, dedication, and accomplishments of student-athletes nationwide. This day honors individuals who excel in both academics and...
Start of spring season
As winter fades and the days grow longer, college campuses across the United States buzz with excitement—the spring sports season is about to begin! For student-athletes, this is a crucial time filled with intense training, competition, and the pursuit of...
Senior Day
For many international students considering playing college sports in America, events like Senior Day are fascinating aspects of the unique college sports culture. It’s a special day in the college life of student-athletes, and for many Dutch students, it can be an...
Emma Navarro
Emma Navarro's accomplishments on the professional circuit, including reaching the semi-finals at the 2024 U.S. Open, show how her college career served as a springboard for her achievements on the WTA tour. Dominating College Tennis Emma Navarro, a native of...
Time management tips for student-athletes
Student-athletes face a unique balancing act between academic and athletic demands. Juggling coursework with practices and competitions requires masterful time management. By prioritizing tasks, setting realistic goals, and developing consistent routines,...
Clemson University
In the Fall of 2023, the men's soccer team of Clemson University became the national champion in the NCAA Division 1. Reason enough for us to take a deeper look into the university and what it stands for. Academics Clemson University, located in Clemson, South...
College tennis players represented in the Australian Open
Last weekend, the 2024 edition of the Australian Open began and also this year many (ex) college tennis players from around the globe are competing on the grand stage. The amount of college tennis players represented in the Australian Open draw is a testament that...
Finding the right college
For many aspiring student-athletes, choosing the right college and athletic division is a crucial decision that can significantly impact both their academic and athletic careers. Every year many student-athletes want to transfer after their first year, due to...
5 unique college soccer stadiums
College soccer in the USA comes with a lot of passion and energy. While the popularity continues to soar, some college soccer stadiums stand out as truly exceptional venues for players and spectators. Below, we will explore five unique college soccer stadiums that...
Volleyball record
In the world of sports, records are made to be broken. Last month, a volleyball record was broken by the University of Nebraska, Lincoln Volleyball program. Records The women's volleyball team broke the world record for the largest attendance ever at a women's...
Ben Shelton
Tonight, former college tennis student-athlete, Ben Shelton, plays in the semifinals of this year's U.S. Open edition against Novak Djokovic. Shelton played college tennis for the University of Florida. In his freshman year, he clinched the Gators’ first team national...
What is the NCAA Eligibility Center?
For aspiring student-athletes, the path to US college athletics often involves navigating a complex web of rules and regulations. If you want to compete in one of the NCAA divisions, the NCAA Eligibility Center is a crucial entity in this journey. But what is it, and...
Big or small university
Choosing the right university is a pivotal decision in any student's academic journey. For student-athletes, choosing between a big or small university can significantly impact both academic and athletic experiences. Below you find described the benefits and...
Duke University
Duke University is a prestigious private research university located in Durham, North Carolina, United States. Established in 1838, Duke is renowned for its academic excellence, rigorous research programs, and vibrant campus community. Academics The university offers...
Why universities award athletic scholarships
The Role and Rationale Behind University Athletic Scholarships The practice of awarding athletic scholarships is a cornerstone of college sports programs. These scholarships serve as a bridge between the pursuit of higher education and the dedication to sports...
4 College recruiting video tips
In the competitive realm of college recruitment, a well-crafted athletic recruiting video can be your ticket to catching the eyes of college coaches. It's your opportunity to showcase your skills, personality, and potential concisely and compellingly. In crafting your...
7 tips to study for the TOEFL
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) IBT is an essential examination for non-native English speakers seeking admission to US universities. Scoring well on the TOEFL is crucial for showcasing proficiency in the English language. However, preparing for such...
5 Misconceptions about athletic scholarships
College athletic scholarships can be a fantastic opportunity for talented student-athletes to pursue both their academic and athletic passions simultaneously. These scholarships can be a game-changer for gifted athletes, but several myths surround them. Let's debunk...
What is a redshirt year?
In college athletics, the NCAA and NAIA provide you with 5 calendar years to play 4 seasons of sports starting from the time you enroll as a full-time student. One of the 5 years could be used as a redshirt year, but what is a redshirt year exactly? What is a redshirt...
Berry College
Berry College is a private liberal arts college in Mount Berry, Georgia, United States. Founded in 1902, Berry is known for its stunning campus spanning over 27,000 acres of woodlands, meadows, and picturesque landscapes. It is one of the largest college campuses in...
Christopher Eubanks
Former college tennis student-athlete, Christopher Eubanks, had an amazing run at this year's Wimbledon edition. During his Wimbledon debut at the 2023 tournament, he had wins over 12th seed, Cameron Norrie (former college tennis player at TCU) and 5th seed Stefanos...
Can I lose my scholarship?
In a perfect world, all athletic scholarships in college athletics would be guaranteed for four years (and in some cases this is true), but unfortunately, the reality is that scholarship renewal policies can vary widely by division, conference, and University. It is...
Tips for an easy college transition
In about 8 weeks, our 2023 recruits are about to make their journey to their new home for the next four years. The first few months of college can definitely be an adjustment, and it is normal to have moments of homesickness as you adapt to your new environment. We,...
4 Social Media tips for the college recruiting process
Social media in college recruiting can be a powerful tool. If used appropriately, social media can be leveraged by prospective "student-athletes" to enhance their visibility and opportunities. A well-managed social media presence can increase a coach’s interest in...
College soccer transfer
Congrats to our GK, Hanne Breur, who earned a well-deserved college soccer transfer to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas! We mention to most of our student-athletes that they should not get too hung up on what division they will play in. Sometimes it is better to...
Signed your scholarship, now what?
The end of the school year is an exciting time for our senior-year high school student-athletes, as it marks the close of one journey and brings excitement for the start of another. Many students have by now signed their scholarships and decided on where they will...
What are my options to study in the US?
If you want to pursue a post-secondary degree in the USA, you have several paths you can take. There are three different types of institutions in the US offering post-secondary degrees: Community colleges Universities/Colleges Liberal arts colleges Community Colleges...
What are Community Colleges?
According to National Center for Education Statistics, a little over 4000-degree colleges in the United States. These include universities and colleges, but over 1000 institutions are also community colleges. Below, we will describe what a community college is and why...
Lore commits to Georgia Gwinnett College
Our partnership with UVVA has resulted in another success story. This time it is Lore van Onsem, who plays for UVVA U-20, who is going to study in the USA with a soccer scholarship. UVVA really knows what it takes to be successful in America, and college coaches are...
What is college athletics?
When people think of college sports in the US, they often picture a packed football or basketball stadium and a crowd going wild when the star quarterback scores a touchdown. Collegiate sports is, however, so much more than that and includes a wide variety of sports...
Difference between College and University
We often get the question if there is a difference between a college and a university. Although there are definitely differences between a college and a university, there are also misconceptions about this topic. In the United States, the words “college” and...
Volleyball ambassador spotlight
We would like to introduce to you our volleyball ambassador Ruth Zijlstra. It had always been a dream of hers to go to the United States to play sports and go to university. When Ruth was 22 her dream became a reality. She got a full athletic scholarship to play...
NAIA
NAIA stands for National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics. The NAIA is a small body of athletics programs that are dedicated to character-driven intercollegiate athletics. All experiences in the NAIA are centered around the student-athlete. Over 65,000...
Reflection of Ruth Zijlstra, on her college volleyball career
Ruth Zijlstra reflected on her college volleyball career: “Volleyball is more than a game. I am more than a volleyball player.” This is something almost every athlete can relate to…”
NCAA recruiting calendar
All universities that compete in the NCAA are only allowed to recruit in a specific timeframe throughout the year. Recruiting calendars help to promote the well-being of prospective student-athletes and coaches. It ensures competitive fairness by defining specific...
Spotlight
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Testimonial Tuesday with Family Bisht
This week the parents of Vaibhav Bisht tell us all about their recruiting experience with us. "Being a mother of a student-athlete will recommend the services of MADE Scholarships to all the parents planning for College scholarship recruitment in the US for their...
Testimonial Tuesday with Alexandra Leisibach
This week Alexandra tells us all about her experience playing tennis at Cumberland University: "I just started my junior year as a math major, and so far I absolutely love it here in the USA. When I first arrived as a freshman I was very nervous because I didn‘t know...
Back to school tips
A few back-to-school tips for the start of the school year: Plan out your week Make a schedule of when you are going to study for certain tests, do your homework, write your papers, and prepare for your game. This way you won't fall behind. Take advantage of the...
3 top tips to be a happy successful student-athlete in the US!
Athletes struggle with things like pressure, doubts, and negative emotions more than ever before. However, the good thing is that mindset training or coaching is becoming popular and many athletes are benefiting more and more from it these days.
Drie jonge voetbaltalenten uit Soest gaan avontuur tegemoet
College voetbal met een voetbalbeurs in Amerika, een droom die uitkomt.
Dutch equestrian rider in Oklahoma
Nice insight into the daily life of equestrian athlete Loïs op het Veld of Oklahoma State University who became national champion with her team
NAIA VS NCAA: what is the difference?
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is oftentimes the most known by many aspiring college athlete students but it is also possible that you might have heard of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
New partnership with Hockey Dreams Foundation.
We are excited to highlight a new partnership we’ve formed with Hockey Dreams! Both Made Scholarships and Hockey Dreams Foundation believe in the power of sports to make dreams come true.
Different forms of athletic scholarships
The costs of attending an American university can vary from $25,000 to over $80,000 a year. A 100% scholarship, also known as a full-ride or full scholarship
Myths about athletic scholarships
There is much misinformation and myths going around about getting athletic scholarships and studying in the US so let’s debunk some of them: Everyone that applies gets a Full scholarship. We wish it was true, but it doesn’t work like that. The percentage of athletes...


























































